It was a dream-come-true when I made my first appearance at Athens in 2004. I was only 18 years old then, and participating in Olympics was an achievement in itself.
Vijender Singh, who participated in the 2004 Athens Games as an 18-year-old boxer, was mesmerised by the experience
It was a dream-come-true when I made my first appearance at Athens in 2004. I was only 18 years old then, and participating in Olympics was an achievement in itself. The moment I entered the Olympic stadium I couldn’t help but feel exhilarated. I hadn’t seen anything like this before.
There were top-class athletes from all over the world. I remember taking autographs and photos of champions from various fields. I have saved all the photos and autographs of these athletes. It is one of the most valuable things I possess.
After going to Athens I realised what the Olympics spirit is all about. Though everyone wants to win desperately, participating itself does wonders to you. Boundaries get blurred and Olympics help you forget hatred towards people of other countries. I have participated in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. But, the experience of Olympics is unparalleled.
I lost to a Turkish boxer by five points. I feel that if I had some more experience I could have progressed further.
This year, at Beijing, I will be participating in my second Olympics. And despite having experienced the aura of Olympics before, I am sure the 2008 Olympics would be an equally breathtaking experience.
What’s more, this time, I have experience on my side. Having won a medal at the Commonwealth Games, I am much more confident for Beijing Olympics than I was in 2004. Also currently i am ranked 13th in the world and i am in good shape.
Considering that every boxer participating in Olympics is world class, it is difficult to predict how farther one can reach. But one thing is for sure. I will give my best shot and I hope to do much better at Beijing.
As told to Dhananjay Khadilkar
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}